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The Environment Agency is urging communities in Dorset to be vigilant as further heavy rain is likely to increase the risk of flooding from groundwater. Exceptional rainfall in recent weeks has already caused groundwater flooding in some parts of Dorset.

Worst affected are Winterbourne Abbas, Martinstown, Ninestone, Winterbourne Steepleton and Wey Valley where nearly 75 homes and businesses have been flooded. The A35 trunk road has been closed for six days due to floodwater, but opened again yesterday when the Olympic Torch passed through.

A Groundwater Flood Alert remains in force for Dorset and the risk of flooding from the West Dorset Streams and Dorset Frome remains high.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Cole and Dorcan Brook .Flooding is possible for the East Swindon area down to above Buscot Wick . The agency is warning low lying land and roads will be affected first.

Recent rainfall means that river levels on the River Cole are rising. The river may spill out into the floodplain in the Lower Stratton area.

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Communities along the south coast between Dorset and Kent are warned that more flash flooding could be on the way later today,

The unsettled period of wet weather is predicted to continue across the South East throughout this week. The Environment Agency is urging residents to be aware of the risk of localised surface water flooding, from overwhelmed drains, along the South coast later this afternoon.

The Environment Agency says the ground is currently saturated due to recent heavy rain and the possibility remains that flood alerts and isolated flood warnings could be issued with further significant rainfall.

The Environment Agency is warning people to protect their families, pets and property after issuing a flood alert for the Darent Catchment in Kent.

Flooding is possible for the The River Darent from Westerham to Dartford, including Brasted, Sundridge,Chipstead, Dunton Green, Otford, Eynsford and South Darenth overnight and into the morning. Low lying land and roads will be affected first.

River levels are rising along the River Darent after heavy rain this evening. They are expected to peak overnight tonight.